PORTABLE OZONIZATION AND FILTRATION APPARATUS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to the technique of fluid treatment systems and, in particular, to an ozonation and portable filtration apparatus for disinfecting fluids. Disinfection and filtration systems are used to provide cleaner and safer water for drinking and other uses. Most portable filtration systems used in camps or excursions are pump-type systems that include a series of components that must be assembled and disassembled before and after each use. For example, many pump-type systems require separate containers, multiple hoses and pumps that must be regularly connected before use and disconnected before the system is stored for movement. Many users have difficulty obtaining an adequate volume of water from such systems due to clogged filters. In addition, filters of such devices typically have a limited lifespan that results in significant costs associated with the maintenance of the systems. The need for replacement filters is of particular interest in disaster-type situations in which drinking water and replacement filters may be scarce. To obtain an adequate volume of drinking water
Sure, chemical disinfectants such as iodine and chlorine are often used. However, chemical disinfectants can have a detrimental effect on the taste and smell of water. Therefore, to provide a suitable water supply that is both drinkable and attractive to the senses, other chemical disinfection methods, such as ultraviolet radiation and ozonation, have become more popular recently. Unfortunately, such systems are not designed for a user to be traveling, hiking or moving in any other way. Ozone is one of the powerful oxidizing agents that is easy to obtain and easy to produce for use in the treatment of fluids. Ozone is useful for eliminating organic waste and for reducing color, odor and total organic carbon. In addition, ozone eliminates bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms more effectively and faster than ultraviolet light or chemicals such as iodine and chlorine. Of course, the effectiveness of the ozone treatment, as well as the processing time required for the treatment, depends on the quality of the fluid to be treated. Elevated levels of sediment in the fluid may contain high levels of metals, organic fluids and carbides, which may require a longer period of ozone treatment. Based on the above, there is still a need
in the technique of a portable purification system. More specifically, there is a need for a portable ozone purification system that can be easily used in an outdoor or transient location and that includes at least one additional filtering device to reduce treatment time. The present invention is directed to a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus that disinfects and stores fluids in an easy, efficient and economical way. The apparatus includes a container having an opening for receiving fluids, a filter and a removable treatment lid. The treatment lid includes an ozone generator and a power source mounted thereon. In use, untreated or non-potable fluids are poured through the filter into the container. At this point, the treatment lid is placed over the container to seal the opening. Then, a user inverts the container, so that the non-potable fluid makes contact with the portion of an electrolysis cell of the ozone generator. The energy source is then activated to energize the ozone generator and initiate the production of ozone gas, which is introduced into the fluid. Preferably, the power source is in the form of an electric crank drive generator that the user operates manually. After a period of treatment or cycle of
necessary disinfection, the ozone gas transforms the non-potable fluid into a potable fluid, suitable for human consumption. At the end of the disinfection cycle, the ozone generator is deactivated. According to one aspect of the invention, additives, such as chemical disinfectants, nutraceuticals, coagulating agents and colorants, are selectively distributed within the container through an additive reservoir / distributor located in the treatment lid. In addition, the ozonation apparatus may employ one or more subsequent filters that are used in distributing the treated fluid from the container. The subsequent filters also treat, that is, they filter and / or condition the drinking fluid before consumption. According to another embodiment of the invention, the ozone generator extends through a lower wall of the container. In this configuration, the container does not need to be inverted to immerse the electrolysis gas cell in the fluid. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the ozonation apparatus is incorporated into a container used to store fresh water in a refrigerator. The decanter sits on the treatment lid. In this configuration, the ozone generator extends through a lower wall of the decanter and the fluid is introduced into the decanter through an opening
higher. According to one aspect of this embodiment, a filter is placed within the upper opening and the fluid is initially passed through the filter before being treated with ozone gas. Additionally, the objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments when analyzed in connection with the drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to corresponding parts. in the various views. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable filtering and ozonation apparatus, constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the portable ozonation filtration apparatus, constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the portable ozonation filtration apparatus constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable ozonation filtration apparatus, constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portable ozonation filtration apparatus, constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is an exploded view of the portable ozonization and filtration apparatus of Figure 5. With initial reference to Figure 1, a portable filtering and ozonation apparatus for storing and disinfecting non-potable fluids, constructed in accordance with a first The method of the present invention is generally indicated by 2. The ozonation apparatus 2 includes a container 4 for beverages or fluids and a lid 8 for removable treatment. In the embodiment shown, the container 4 is constituted of a plastic bottle, such as one formed of Nalgene®, capable of containing between half a liter and up to twenty liters or more of the fluid. Said the above, the container 4 can be of any type of bottle dimensioned according to the desired quantity of fluid that will be stored and disinfected. Further, it should be understood that the container 4 may be formed of an opaque or transparent material in a variety of colors and provided with symbols (not shown) printed thereon. As shown, the container 4 includes a threaded neck portion 10 having an opening 12, a side wall portion 14 and a wall portion 16
lower that together define an interior storage / treatment area 18. The treatment cap 8 includes a threaded portion 24 of splice, adapted to be interengaged with the threaded neck portion 10 of the container 4. In a manner known in the art, the threaded neck portion 10 and the threaded splice portion 24 allow a user to easily open and close the container 4. However, it should be readily understood that various other means can be used to secure the treatment lid 8 to the container 4 according to the present invention. It is also shown that the container 4 includes a handle 28 that allows the user to easily grasp and operate the ozonation apparatus 2, as will be described in greater detail in the following. The ozonation apparatus 2 further includes an ozone generator 30 mounted on the treatment lid 8. The particular details of this general assembly arrangement do not form part of the present invention. The assembly of the ozone generator 30 itself can be found in the commonly assigned US patent application, entitled "Portable Ozonation Apparatus for Storing and Purifying Liquids", filed on the same date as the present one. The ozone generator 30 includes an electrolysis cell 31 that extends into the interior storage / treatment area 18 when the lid 8 of
The treatment is attached to the container 4. As will be further detailed in the following, the ozone generator 30 functions to emit ozone gas into the container 4 in order to disinfect a fluid 32 contained therein. More specifically, the ozone gas generated by the ozone generator 30 acts as an oxidant that removes any microorganism present in the fluid 32. According to the invention, the ozone generator 30 is selectively energized by a power source 34. also arranged within the treatment lid 8. In the embodiment shown, the power source 34 preferably includes a crank 50 that facilitates manual operation, replacing the need for batteries or other forms of power devices. That is, crank driven electric generators known in the art can be used with the present invention. For example, the power source 34 may be a standard spring-loaded generator typically used by campers and hikers. Of course, the ozonation apparatus can also operate with other energy sources such as batteries, solar energy or a plug-in connection to a separate power source. In the embodiment shown, the power source 34 is connected to a power switch 54 mounted on the treatment cover 8. In the case of a crank drive generator, the
power switch 54 serves as a redundant system that prevents unintentional energization of ozone generator 30. According to the invention, the ozonation apparatus 2 also includes a pre-ozonation particulate filter 60 having an upper aperture 62. The particulate filter 60 may employ various filtration means 63, such as mesh filters, granulated activated carbon filters, carbon block filters, ceramic filters, membrane filters or any other type of filter known in the art. A ceramic filter has the advantage that it can be cleaned and, therefore, can be reused several times before it is replaced. Preferably, the filter 60 is removably supported by the container 4 and includes a support flange 64. The support tab 64 suspends or supports the filter 60 within the opening 12. More specifically, the support flange 64 is composed of a small radial collar which is located on the threaded neck portion 10, such that the cover 8 of treatment can still be assured to the container 4 with the filter 60 in its place. This particular configuration allows the transportation and / or easy storage of ozonation apparatus 2. It is also shown that the filter 60 includes a transparent housing 66 that allows a user
determine visually when replacement of filtration means 63 is required. To better facilitate visual inspection, the filter 60 includes an indicator 68. The indicator 68 can take a variety of forms, such as time-based indicators, flow-based indicators or indicators that employ a bar graph and / or change material. color. In the embodiment shown, the indicator 68 takes the form of a painted or dyed disc that changes color based on an amount of time at which the filtration means 63 is exposed or saturated with fluids. Although represented as being located above the filter 60, it should be understood that the indicator 68 can be located in a variety of positions without departing from the invention. Reference will still be made to Figure 1 when describing a fluid disinfection method 32. Initially, a user will pour or distribute an unpurified, non-potable fluid in the container 4 through the opening 12. At this point, the lid 8 of treatment sits on the threaded neck portion 10 to close the opening 12. Once the opening 12 is suitably sealed, the container 4 is inverted to immerse the electrolysis cell 31 in the non-potable fluid 32. After electrolysis, the cell 31 is covered with the fluid, a disinfection cycle is initiated by operating the power source 34, which supplies DC current to the ozone generator 30
which, in turn, begins to produce ozone gas. The ozone gas spreads completely and disinfects the non-potable fluid. After a set treatment time, typically dependent on the volume and quality of the fluid to be treated, the disinfection cycle is completed and the non-potable fluid is transformed into a potable fluid, suitable for human consumption. The typical treatment time for twenty liters of non-drinking fluid is approximately 20 minutes. Of course, smaller volumes of fluid will require proportionally shorter treatment times. In any case, once the disinfection cycle is completed, the container 4 is inverted again and a time is allowed for any turbidity in the now potable fluid to settle before being consumed. Conveniently, ozonation actually helps settle any suspended turbidity that may be found in the fluid. Ozone decomposes to form oxygen and leaves the fluid with a fresh, sweet taste. The fluid treated by the ozonation apparatus 2 may be consumed / used after treatment or may be stored in the container 4 for later use. If the non-potable fluid contains high levels of sediment, the time required for disinfection can be increased. To reduce the time required for your
disinfection, the non-potable fluid is initially passed through the filter 60 to remove any sediment before treatment. When pretreatment is desired, a user simply places the filter 60 in the opening 12 and pours the non-potable fluid 2 into the upper opening 62. The non-potable fluid passes through the filtration means 63 and into the storage / treatment area 18. Once the container 4 is filled to a desired level, the filter 60 is removed and the treatment cover 8 is placed over the opening 12. At this point, the process continues as described above. As noted above, the filter 60 is typically used in situations where the water quality is more doubtful in order to reduce the time required for the disinfection cycle. When the water quality levels are higher, the pretreatment can be eliminated from the process to prolong the overall service life of the filter 60. Reference will now be made to Figure 2, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the ozonation apparatus 2 'includes a container 4' having a first threaded neck portion 10 'provided with an opening 12', a side wall portion 14 'and a lower wall portion 16' which together define an area
18 'of storage / interior treatment. In the embodiment shown, the container 4 'also includes a second threaded neck portion 70 extending from the lower wall portion 16'. The second threaded neck portion 70 includes an outer peripheral flange 72 defining an opening 74. According to this embodiment, the filter 60 is introduced into the container 4 'through the opening 74, such that the flange 64 placed on the rim 72. After the unfiltered or non-potable fluid is poured through the filtration means 63, a cover 76 having internal threads (not shown) is placed over the opening 74 and secured to the second portion 70 of threaded neck to seal the container 4 '. In this way, the disinfection cycle is started without requiring the container 4 'to be inverted since the non-potable fluid will already be in contact with the electrolysis cell 31. That is, in this configuration, the electrolysis cell 31 is submerged as the non-potable fluid enters the container 4 '. Of course, the disinfection cycle can also be carried out as described above with the omission of the pre-filtration step of the non-potable fluid if the quality of the fluid is not particularly deficient. Reference will now be made to Figure 3, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a
third embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus 2 includes a treatment cover 8 'provided with an ozone generator 30', a power source (not shown), a removable filter 60 'and a storage / distributor 80 of additives for selectively storing and distributing an additive 84 either before, during or after the disinfection cycle.The additive storage / dispenser 80 is preferably a separate removable unit that is easily replaced as required. The additive 80 is preferably adjusted to distribute a predetermined amount of additive.The amount of additive distributed is typically based on the type of additive used and the particular effect desired.Additive 84 may include chemical disinfectants, colorants, coagulants, minerals or other chemicals related to health, for example, nutraceuticals The type of additive 84 used at any given time e based on user needs, preferences and / or characteristics of the regional fluid. According to one aspect of the invention, the additive 84 is a colored dye that is added to the non-potable fluid before starting the disinfection cycle. The ozone gas introduced into the non-drinking fluid gradually eliminates any coloration created by the dye and, therefore, provides a visual signal to the user that
indicates that the disinfection cycle is in progress or complete. In the embodiment shown, the additive storage / dispenser 80 is in the form of a manually operated dispenser that includes an actuator 90. However, it should be readily understood that the storage / dispenser 80 of additives may take some other forms, including dispensers. automatic, pump distributors and the like without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the case of an automatic dispenser, the colorant is injected into the container 4 at an initial stage of the disinfection cycle or after the ozone gas in the container 4 reaches a predetermined level. According to another aspect of the invention, the storage / dispenser 80 of additives is adjusted to distribute a quantity of coagulating agent, required to pretreat eight ounces of fluid prior to ozonation. The coagulation agents react with the non-potable fluid and "capture" unwanted substances prior to ozonation, thereby reducing the time required for a disinfection cycle while also eliminating any ozonation byproducts. In accordance with another aspect of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, it is shown that the cap 8 'of
The treatment includes an opening 95 leading to the filter 60 '. The opening 95 is provided to allow a user to add fluid to the container 4 without requiring the removal of the treatment cap 8. Once a desired amount of non-potable fluid is in the storage / treatment area 18, a lid (not shown) is placed over the opening 95, the ozonation apparatus 2 'is inverted and the disinfection cycle is initiated in a form corresponding to that described in the above according to the first embodiment of the invention. With this configuration, the filter 60 'is formed of a one-way filter which prevents the fluid in the container 4 from flowing back through the filtration means 63' when the container 4 is reversed. Reference will now be made to Figure 4, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus 2"'includes a container 4" having a first portion "10" of threaded neck defining an opening 12", a portion" 14"of side wall and a portion 16" of wall bottom that together define a storage / treatment area 18"The lower wall portion 16" preferably includes a second threaded neck portion 70"defining a second opening
(not designated separately). In a manner similar to that described in the foregoing, the ozonation apparatus 2"'includes a treatment cover 8 having thereon disposed an ozonation generator 30 which includes an electrolysis cell 31 and a power source 34. defined by a manually operated generator having a crank 50. In addition, the ozonation apparatus 2"'includes a secondary cover 120 which engages a second threaded neck portion 70' to close the second opening. The secondary cap 120 includes a filter 60", an 80" storage / dispenser of additives including an actuator 90"and a post-treatment filter 130. In use, the non-potable fluid 3 is poured through an opening 62" in the filter 60"and passed through a filtration means 63" before entering the interior of the interior storage / treatment compartment area 18. "If desired, a user may distribute an additive 84" from a storage / dispenser 80"to the interior storage / treatment area 18", either before, after or during ozonation of the non-potable fluid 32. After completing a disinfection cycle, the treatment cap 8"is removed from the threaded neck portion 10" and the treated or potable fluid is poured from the container 4"through the opening 12". Alternatively, the secondary cap 120 can be removed to distribute the fluid through
of aperture 74. As a third option, the user may desire a filtration of the drinking fluid per subsequent disinfection cycle In accordance with the embodiment shown, the secondary cap 120 includes a post-treatment filter 130. The after-treatment filter 130 includes a filtration means 134 and a channel 136 having a cover that facilitates the distribution of fluid from the container 4". The filter means 134 can be of any type of filter desirable for use with the ozonation apparatus 2"', such as a mesh filter, a granulated activated carbon filter, a carbon block filter, a ceramic filter or In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, one or more nutraceuticals, in soluble form, are incorporated into the after-treatment filter 130. With this arrangement, the fluid exiting through the after-treatment filter 130 is further enhanced with nutraceuticals. At this point, it should be readily understood that the various embodiments of the ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention are designed to be easily transported, allowing a person to easily obtain, treat and transport a supply of potable fluid, such as water, for consumption over a given day. Such an independent portable device is also suitable for use in disaster relief s and operations
military. Reference will now be made to Figures 5 and 6, in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views when describing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus 2"" includes a container 4"'having an upper portion 200 defined by a flange 205 which establishes an opening 206. The container 4"' also includes a side wall portion 210. which leads to a lower wall portion 215 defining an interior storage / treatment area 217. As shown, the lower wall portion 215 includes an opening 220 for receiving the ozone generator 30. Also in accordance with the embodiment shown, the container 4"'includes a handle 225 that allows a user to grip and distribute the treated fluid with ease, the container 4"' preferably includes a top cover 230 that includes a channel portion 235. and a cover portion 240. The channel portion 235 preferably includes a flange portion 250 that includes a lower section 255 that is sized to be received within the opening 206 of the container 4"'The lower section 255 extends to an upper section 256 to define an area 260 of pretreatment The pretreatment area 260 includes a
plurality of separate base members, one of which is indicated by 262 and a filter 263. Of course, it should be understood that, in addition to the filter 263, the additional filtration material (s) may also be placed within the pretreatment area 260. In either case, it is shown that the upper section 256 includes a threaded region which, as will be discussed more fully in the following, is configured to receive the cover 240. As best shown in Figure 6, the flange portion 250 it also includes a cover 262 having an opening 263 that facilitates distribution of the fluid from the interior storage / treatment area 217. The cover portion 240 joins the channel portion 235 to facilitate the treatment and / or maintain the freshness of any treated fluid in the container 4"'As shown, the cover portion 240 includes a main body 267 having an internal threaded region (not shown), adapted to fit correspondingly with an upper section 256 of the channel portion 235. It is also shown that the cover portion 240 includes a pivoting cover 270 having an associated active articulation 271 that allows that the lid 270 selectively opens to allow distribution of the fluid through the opening 263 of the flange portion 250. According to the embodiment shown, the apparatus 2"
Ozonation includes a treatment lid 8"having a main body 280 provided with a recessed region 285 having a stepped region 286 and a central opening 288. The stepped zone 286 is designed to receive the ozone generator 30, with the opening 288 serving as an interface between the ozone generator 30 and a power source (not shown) More specifically, the ozone generator 30 is removably mounted in the treatment cover 8"in the opening 288 to allow replacement when be necessary. Once the ozone generator 30 is suitably secured, the container 4"'sits within the recessed region 285 of the treatment lid 8". When fully seated, the ozone generator 30 extends through the opening 220 of the lower wall 215 toward the storage / treatment area 217. At this point, the container 4"'is filled with liquid and the generator 30 is ozone activated by, for example, manipulating a power switch 54' to initiate a treatment process. it can be selectively distributed through the opening 262. It should be recognized that the ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention constitutes a carafe that is designed for use at home instead of outside situations and can be easily stored within a
refrigerator to provide treated, cold water for a consumer. Although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that further changes and / or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although only one subsequent filter was discussed, it should be understood that multiple filters or a multi-layer filter may also be employed. Additionally, the manner in which the treatment lid is attached to a container can be altered without departing from the invention. In general, the invention should be limited only by the scope of the following claims.